Nigeria’s climate debuts in London as Onuigbo assumes global role

Former lawmaker and sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, Rt Hon. Sam Onuigbo, will assume leadership of the global legislators’ organisation during London Climate Action Week.

The event, which runs from June 23 to 26 and includes the inaugural Nigeria Climate Investment Summit in London, will also coincide with the 35th anniversary of GLOBE International, the Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment.

Onuigbo, sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, will formally assume office during a reception at the House of Commons on June 24. He is also the convener of the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit scheduled to be held at Mansion House in the City of London, where he is expected to deliver an address outlining the objectives of the event.

Founded in 1991 by former United States Vice-President Al Gore, former US Secretary of State John Kerry and legislators from the European Parliament, Russia and Japan, GLOBE International is a non-partisan parliamentary organisation focused on strengthening governance for sustainable development and climate action.

In an official invitation signed by GLOBE Legislators’ Chief Executive, Malini Mehra FRSA, Onuigbo will succeed Argentine parliamentarian Deputy Juan Carlos Villalonga as president of the organisation.

The appointment is widely seen as recognition of Nigeria’s growing profile in climate governance, environmental sustainability and energy transition.

Since sponsoring Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act, Onuigbo has remained active in promoting climate action and sustainable development. 

Also Read: Emmanuel Alayande University appoints new deputy VC

In 2023, he was recognised among the Top 30 Global Climate Action Leaders by Business Insider. He was also inducted into the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame for the 2019–2023 legislative period and honoured by the House of Representatives as a Worthy Ambassador of the Green Chamber.

According to Mehra, Onuigbo, who currently serves as GLOBE vice presidentfor Africa, will deliver his inaugural address as president during GLOBE’s 35th Anniversary Reception at the UK Parliament.

She added that the event would also mark the relocation of GLOBE’s headquarters to Nairobi, Kenya.

GLOBE International, a leading network of lawmakers committed to advancing climate action and sustainable development, is a founding partner of London Climate Action Week, regarded as one of the world’s largest climate engagement platforms.

The anniversary reception will be hosted by former United Kingdom Minister for Climate Change and former GLOBE President, Rt Hon. Graham Stuart MP, and is expected to bring together legislators from across the world.

With the theme “Building Political Resilience and Public Consensus for Climate Action at a Time of Severe Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges”, the event will focus on strengthening international climate cooperation, promoting investment and innovation for a net-zero economy, enhancing climate resilience, supporting nature and ocean regeneration, and mobilising society-wide action on climate change.

Mehra noted, “London Climate Action Week has become a major fixture in global climate diplomacy, attracting ministers, lawmakers, investors, business leaders, local governments, civil society groups, academics and cultural institutions.”

She said this year’s edition is expected to exceed the more than 700 climate-related events hosted across London in 2025 and will feature major summits on climate investment, innovation, sustainable cities, energy technology and net-zero implementation.

Events will take place at some of London’s most iconic venues, including the UK Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Kew Gardens, the Globe Theatre, Guildhall and Mansion House.